I am a 43 year old lady diagnosed with Bipolar in March of 2005. I actually spent my 39th birthday in the hospital. I have been a Registered Nurse since 1986 where I worked in Labor&Delivery. All those night shifts, on-calls, adrenaline rushes, and crisis management as a charge nurse could never have been made possible without my latent disease. I say this because I am a strong person who has overcome great adversity in both private and professional lives. My energetic temperament (before morphing into manias), has also helped me cope with having four children, divorce, do-it-yourself home renovation, and acceptance of a permanent illness.

Bipolar Disorder also has the power to take away. Six months after my diagnosis, my condition was still considered too unstable for me to work. After constant med adjustments, therapy, and "up" one week then "down" for three, it was advised that I apply for Social Security. This has been the single most trying experience of my life.  After three years this has finally been secured and life is settling down.

In order to stay well:

I have to take my medicine just like it is prescribed.

Manage stress.

Sleep 8-10 hours a day

Communicate honestly with my doctor and nurse on call.

Keep a mood chart, journal, checklist, or jot down something anytime I feel

"different", whether it's really good or really bad.

Seek information obsessively.  It cures fear and validates that I have a brain illness.